OCR responds to Ofqual Direction

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11/09/2012

Following the confirmation of a number of grade changes as a result of the discovery of clerical errors made in 2011, Ofqual has today issued OCR with a Direction – a formal legal document that requires us to make some detailed changes to our management process and systems based on the findings of Ofqual's investigation.

OCR is deeply sorry and regretful. It is our job to ensure students get the right results that correctly reflect their knowledge and hard work. We know we failed to deliver on this commitment. We would like to apologise again to students, schools and parents that our high standards for quality and integrity were not met by some individuals during routine processes in summer 2011. Teachers and students deserve better and we let them down.

Mark Dawe, OCR Chief Executive, said: "I am deeply saddened and disappointed that these clerical errors were made during my first year in post. Some of the legacy operational systems were clearly in need of revision and Ofqual’s Direction is helping me to carry out a wider ranging reform of our systems, practices and procedures.

"I would like to reassure teachers and students that the improved processes and systems we already have in place are delivering the highest level of clerical accuracy. I am confident, as a result of these actions, that OCR will emerge as a more reliable, ‘reform ready’ exam board than ever before."